Drug Uses

ATROVENT inhaler is very useful in treating chronic bronchitis and emphysema and it works by relaxing the muscles around your airways so that they open up and you breathe more easily.

Usage

Following the dosage instructions of your doctor is the best way to use any medication. If you are unsure or do not remember the instructions then you may read the medicine label for more detailed information. You are advised to inhale this medication by mouth usually 4 times a day, or as directed by your doctor.
Try to protect your eyes while using inhaler as it may cause temporary blurred vision, other vision changes, and eye irritation.
It is very important that you complete the dosage schedule and do not interrupt it in between without seeking prior consultation from your doctor.
Taking your medication at the same time each day is a tried and tested method to avoid missing any doses.

Drug Class and Mechanism

ATROVENT falls under bronchodilator and it works by relaxing the muscles around your airways so that they open up and you breathe more easily.

Missed Dose

Despite your best attempts at remembering, if you still miss out on a dose, then take it as soon as you remember about it. But keep in mind that you will have to adjust your next dose by spacing it out by 4 to 5 hours. If this is not possible, then the best thing to do would be to skip the missed dose and continue with your normal dosage schedule.
Never try to compensate for the missed dose by taking a double dose together. It may cause adverse effects.

Storage

Store ATROVENT at room temperature between 39 and 86 degrees F(4 and 30 degrees C). Always keep it in a cool dark place that is not directly exposed to sources of heat or moisture and sunlight. Protect it from kids and pets.

Warning/Precautions

Doctors advise against using ATROVENT if you are allergic to any ingredient of it or to atropine or similar medicines. You should avoid accidentally getting this medicine into eyes, especially if you have, or are susceptible to, glaucoma.
If you are expecting a child or are planning to have a child in the near future, then consult your doctor before using ATROVENT to discuss any possible threats to the unborn baby.
If you are a nursing mother and breast feed your baby, then too, seek consultation before using ATROVENT as some drugs are excreted in the breast milk and may enter the baby.

Side Effects

Most medications have some kind of side effects associated with them. The commonest of these side effects are temporary and mild and fade away without any special attention.
These include headache;
nausea and vomiting;
dry mouth;
cough;
throat irritation;
unexpected narrowing of the airways (paradoxical bronchospasm);
increased heart rate (tachycardia);
awareness of your heart beat (palpitations);
constipation;
blurred vision;
difficulty in passing urine (urinary retention).
The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug\\\\\\\'s manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

However, in some cases, these mild side effects may persist or become bothersome. In such cases, seek medical attention.
Side effects that are not listed here may also occur.